Spirit of God, You are my primary teacher of God’s Word; I yield my heart and mind, my soul and spirit, my will and imagination to You as I immerse myself in the Word during these dedicated moments. Teach me in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

The meaning of immersing oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest.

How and what drives us to immerse ourselves in any particular person, place, or thing??? 

There are many things in our world that people could immerse themselves in! work, entertainment, sports—the list could be so long that we would never be able to discuss them all…  

So, Let me close my eyes, immerse myself in thought, and see where this word leads me. 

Will I be whisked away for just a moment, or will my heart yearn never to return? Or will my thoughts take me to where my soul wants to travel?  

Of course, I traveled to my safe place… it's Him… Immersed in the heavenly realms, we can escape the mundane and travel to a place of complete peace, love, and total surrender… 

I will be bold and ask you… have you ever immersed yourself in Him, His words, His grace, His forgiveness, His compassion, His undying love?

When we take the time to worship and immerse ourselves in His presence for any length of time, the outside world will become dim… and we will feel a warm, loving light that will fill our hearts and refresh our souls….. it’s like nothing else in our world… 

Being Immersed in Him is more than just a temporary escape - it's a path to lasting change and spiritual oneness with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit!

Immersed ….. 💦

It’s Him! It’s always Him!!

Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

Art & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Inspiring Music: YouTube

Looking Through His Eyes

The meaning of the word Bride betrothed or newly married woman. 

I am unsure why I landed on this word… other than “It’s Him.” Last week, I felt the pulling in my soul to paint a female face. 

I kept hearing paint a female... 

I wrestled with this thought and could not decide how or who to paint… and then I experienced His presence… 

“This is my bride… do you see her? Paint with your heart and let the colors flow…  feel her with your soul” … as I added color, she began to appear… 

I shared the result when I posted the word challenge… little did I know that was not the end…. 

For what is a Bride without her love… In the Bible, the church is described as the Bride… When we hear this, we think of a typical church building filled with people of all ages and stages of believing. But the Bride goes oh so much deeper… The Bride is dressed in white to signify purity… is our heart pure enough to offer it to Christ? The Bride is in love with her betrothed, and the glow of this love radiates from within.  You can see it on her face, her smile, and the joy she exudes… Do we radiate His light and happiness for others to witness???  

The Bride is committed to fulfilling her destiny of becoming one with her Groom… She vows to love Him until death do they part… With Jesus, there is no death. This union goes further than any human mind can fully understand. It’s a spiritual journey and commitment that will fill our hearts and souls with a love that transcends all space and time. It’s a love bond that has drawn us to Him since the beginning of time… 

To be drawn into the sea of His love and set apart as His Bride is a miracle beyond what we can fully understand… 

It’s Him! It will always be Him! 

The yearning of Christ to be reunited with His Bride is a date with destiny. Only the Father knows the day and the hour. We can only prepare ourselves and wait with great anticipation for our (groom) King to return…

That at that time the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord Philippians 2:10-11

Art & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Inspiring Music: YouTube

Audra Lynn - 13 - Adorned

“The most holy and necessary practice in our spiritual life is the presence of God. That means finding constant pleasure in His divine company, speaking humbly and lovingly with him in all seasons, at every moment, without limiting the conversation in any way." - Brother Lawrence.

Meaning of feeler: an animal organ such as an antenna or palp used to test things by touch.

The term I'm referring to here is the gift of discerning spirits described in 1 Corinthians 12:10.

What is this mysterious word? It can not be seen with the naked eye. It cannot be heard by the human ear? It can not be held in the palm of our hand?? Is it just a human emotion?  Feelings that can be felt deep within our souls!! Feelings so strong that the human body reacts to this stimulation? Goosebumps and chills up your spine, sweaty palms, trembling, body temperature may even rise…  

It is a spiritual connection with God, a soulful intimacy, and our chance to see Him with our spiritual eyes… and sense Him deep in our souls. He is that awe-struck moment in time. 

Many grow a loving relationship with our Creator by becoming in tune with this heavenly language of love. 

We feel His subtle but powerful presence, sense His beauty within our hearts, and are moved to tears of adoration… for He alone is the greatest love we will ever know... This rush of emotion can cause our human bodies to manifest many outward changes…as our souls whisk us away to a higher plane of love beyond this world… 

There are no earthly words to describe the spiritual experience.  Being a feeler is definitely an emotional, soulful experience … When the unexplainable finds its way into your heart, there is a soul connection with the One that has created all things… We are but a speck of brilliant dust among many of His stars… 

We are an amazing part of our Heavenly Father's greater plan… To feel Him is a gift of the soul  … But to Love Him is a beautiful gift of the heart… He takes my breath away… 

I thought of buying a tee shirt and staking a claim that says “ I am a feeler” But with reservation, I felt it could get me in trouble with the ones who do not understand…(LOL) so for now it’s written across my heart 

“I am a feeler” and I will chase My King until my last dying breath”

Signed

The Feeler 

Psalms 16:11 TPT

Because of you, I know the path of life, as I taste the fullness of joy in your presence. At your right side, I experience divine pleasures forevermore!

Close your eyes and listen to this song and wait on HIM! 

Photography, Art & Written by Lori Garner  

Inspiring Music: YouTube

The meaning of a challenge to confront or defy boldly: dare.

I challenge you to reach further within yourself than you have ever been!! Is there something you would love to do in your life but have held back? 

Our days are filled with challenges. Some large, some small, and some may even be transparent…. 

When we take the first step towards our goal, emotions surface, including fear of failure and what others may think. Is this the fear the Bible speaks of? Is fear holding us back? Are we paralyzed?  

With gratitude, I reflect on my spiritual journey, where I once hesitated, afraid of not being good enough. But now, I stand in awe of my magnificent Elohim, who embraced me with unwavering love and tenderly set free the inner child within me. In His grace, we can experience life unencumbered and free….

He gives us the courage to step out of our comfort zones. He has taken me on an amazing journey of self-discovery. He has placed many new adventures in my path, including writing, podcasting, art, and music, inspiring me to embrace life's endless possibilities.

Two years ago, I began painting, with a primary focus on the face of Jesus. Despite the challenge of transferring what my soulful eye sees to canvas, my artful spiritual journey has been heartfelt. 

Today, this challenge made its way into my mind…

Paint a female ... 

I wrestled with this thought and could not decide how or who to paint… As I stared at the blank canvas… I picked my brush and began the heartfelt struggle because my soul wanted to paint Him… But my hands stayed on the given task… Unhappy with the result, I put my brush down, turned off the light, and went to bed… Only to wake up to this botched attempt on my easel.  I studied this face while I sipped a cup of tea and listened to beautiful music. I spoke to my Elohim within my mind as I do each given morning… 

I picked up my brush and began to add more paint to the dry existing image… and as I painted, He began to speak to my soul softly… 

“This is my bride… do you see her? Paint with your heart and let the colors flow…  feel her with your soul” … as I continued to add color, she began to appear… 

The Bride of Christ…

Our Heavenly Father places challenges in front of us to help us grow into what He knows we can be…

Let's courageously embrace the empowering tools He graciously provides us and never give up until He sees His Bride’s reflection in our eyes. 

He will always be our guiding inspiration. 

It’s Him; it’s always Him. 

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9. 

“It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.” – Psalm 18:32. 

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:57

Art & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Click on the link below for Inspiring Music posted on (SoundCloud) 

Day of love in bloom 

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” Princess Diana.

The meaning of kindness - the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

Kindness can be found in the Bible 101 times.

Do we practice kindness from a genuine place in our hearts? Or do we show kindness only during a seasonal time of year, just for others to witness, or only when it’s convenient? 

I have witnessed and feel we practice these acts better at certain times of the year. Like Christmas and Easter. Why doesn't the act of kindness follow us every day for life? 

To truly see the ugliness of human behavior, we just need to scroll through our social media feeds or watch the news. It is a heartbreaker. 

We all have our daily battles. We have all been touched by sickness: war, famine, and nature’s fury. 

It's time to understand that we are doing this together. We must reach out with empathy, compassion, kindness, and, most of all, love for our fellow humans .... 

Why wait? Start TODAY! Open your heart, smile, and lend a hand where needed... 

To simplify this, I have always taught my children that they should not say anything at all if they do not have something nice to say. 

I hope our world does not become silent, unless it is to pray to our Creator to open our hearts to a LOVE that is greater than we will ever experience. 

It’s Him; It’s always Him. 

Let's make our Heavenly Father proud of His Children's behavior... one act at a time... 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness. Galatians 5:22

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God Micah 6:8 

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

Inspiring Music by (YouTube) 

Chris Tomlin - Love People (Lyrics) with Jimmie Allen

The meaning of fascinating, extremely interesting, or charming: captivating. 

I am so fascinated with the man who left His home to roam on the soil of this forsaken, turbulent land… Was He, in turn, fascinated with the gift of human life? Does fascination go hand in hand with love? Was His fascination extreme? Or was His capacity to love more profound than any superficial fascination? 

I can only share from my heart my fascination with this amazing love story that took place so long ago… This beautiful story has kept generations in awe for centuries… 

In this case, I believe my fascination goes hand in hand with a love so difficult to put into words…He is charming and kind. And loves me with no pretense or boastfulness. He charmed me with His soft, subtle touch and unwavering love. He ignited a fascination within my soul to discover more about the man who left all His Kingly possessions just for me… 

He came to teach all of us about His life, His home, and how to gain the beauty and richness of life while walking on this turbulent soil…He endured a torturous death as a sacrificial gift to give us everlasting life and love… 

Somewhere in my fascination, I wanted more. It has been told that I fell in love, not with the story of His life… but I fell in love with the man who has been so fascinated with me that He fell in love with my soul even before I was born. 

He is my hope for the future… He is the most fascinating love I have ever had the experience of discovering.  He has captivated my heart.  He has shared with me that I have only begun to find the clues He left for His children to find. I believe He did this so we would never lose interest and find our way home to see His love light forever burning. Like my love, my fascination will carry me closer to Him each God-given day… Where He awaits with bated breath for my return… 

Its Him. It will always be Him…

He fascinates me!!  

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Art & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Inspiring Music by (YouTube)

Allie Crummy - Fascinated by You (Official Lyric Video)

Its Him. It's always Him!!!!

Sitting in the warm summer sun, I feel the gentle breeze gliding effortlessly across my face. I close my eyes and drift into a place of peace and relaxation. My soul is drawn to a sanctuary of epic beauty and love, a place where time knows no boundaries.

“It really matters what you listen to. . . . Select music that will strengthen your spirit.” —Russell M. Nelson... 

O, the sweet blend of old hymns and new songs.  They met two thousand years ago to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. 

The sound of His voice is sweet to us as He sings over us in the quiet times we spend with Him.  

The very rocks cry out, and the trees clap their hands in praise to Him.  And so should we. 

Angel choirs sing to those who cannot remember where or who their family is.  But when you let them listen to hymns from long ago, suddenly, they begin to sing every word!  It is amazing. 

From my youth, I sang many old hymns to music that allowed me to memorize the words.   So often, these hymns and songs come to mind.  A melody can evoke many emotions.  The melody touches the deep places in our souls. 

We could name many in the Bible that sang songs to Him.  Miriam, Moses, David, Paul, and Silas.  Some were in sorrow, the enemy surrounded some, some were in prison, and many were victorious.   

The priests at the temple's dedication that Solomon built fell on their faces, and they could do no work as he overcame them.  Let us cease from our works for a moment and sing praises unto Him, our Creator, our Savior, and our Lover.  Often, I desire to have a thousand tongues to sing His praises. 

So, let the notes of hymns and songs refresh us and prepare us to wield the sword of His word wherever we go. 

“I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.”

Psalm 104:33 KJV

Photography Lori Garner 

Written by Joann Turnbull

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (YouTube)

How Great Thou Art | Elvis Presley 4K (Live Music Video) | Outtake - Elvis 

The meaning of behind at or to the far side of (something), typically to be hidden by it.

We located 102 verses in the Bible that refer to the word behind...

Who are we really?? I do believe we all hide behind a mask at some time in this crazy thing we call life. We seem to have a tendency to hide the rawness of what is truly happening in our lives. We have all been guilty of only showing the world what we would like them to see ... Many of our social media accounts reflect our dreams, our hopes, and a life that we have fabricated for others to LIKE and or possibly envy.

We hide our vulnerability and show that beautiful hardcover we have painted of ourselves. I find that many are overly concerned with what others may think... 

What are we afraid of? Why is it so important to fit in? I sometimes feel like a round peg trying to fit in a square hole... 

But the questions that spoke to my heart brought me here.. Are we willing to risk being different? Are we willing to walk alone? Are we willing to be set apart? Are we willing to bring the walls down that we hide behind... Are we willing to show the world our true colors? 

But then I asked,” What is the price??”  It's a heartfelt moment in time... And many times our insecurities will get the best of us and the loneliness will creep in and it may even wound our hearts. 

But what does the Bible reveal? I found myself asking ”What have I learned throughout my journey that I can share? Can I step out from behind the walls I have built ?” Can I be raw? Can I stand alone? Can I risk being different?

I have been taught that we must share the rawness of life it frees our souls. I have come to grips with being vulnerable and found it shows we are all human and wrestle with the same fears, dreams, and hopes. 

I have grown to love God beyond my own understanding. I have been taught that I am never alone... My savior is always with me. He is my mentor, my love, and my forever friend.

I have been enlightened and I have readjusted my value system. 

Life is a gift. Relationships are precious... Memories will be our legacy... Don't hide behind a mask, be the most authentic soul you can be... Make a difference in this world. Love our sovereign God with all your heart, soul, and mind. 

Because one day He may ask you  ”Do you want ordinary or do you want me?? ” and our answer should always be YOU!!! 

It's Him, It's always Him!  

Step out and let your light shine for Christ so others can find their way... 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:17 ESV

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 ESV

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (youtube)

Lauren Daigle - Rescue (Official Music Video)